| Class #20-EF-56 .. The early T-branchers |
|
In early 1956 the IB training officer, LCDR Doug Adams, attended a conference
in Washington, DC. While there he discussed the need for SECGRU to increase the number of CT's in a relatively new field, which we now call CT"T". Up to that time T Brancher's either were OJT or two or three a month went through training at March AFB. The commander of the ASA training center at Ft. Devens, MA told Mr. Adams that they traditionally had a slack period in the summer for that specialty and maybe something could be worked out to get a class through there during that time. A deal was made, and in June 1956 nineteen "R" Branchers were graduated up to two weeks early and sent to Ft Devens. Since I had prior service in the Army I was chosen to be the class leader, and as it turned out, the senior Navy person stationed at an Army base with a total complement of over 25,000 personnel. The ASA School command was a tenant command at that time. We started in June 1956 and graduated in September 1956. Many, many stories could be told about the actions, interaction and antics of a group of very young sailors with the Army establishment, but I had better take the 5th at this time. Due to the tenacity of Mr. Adams, three classes actually went through training there before he was ordered to stop. Our final exam was a three ring circus. Our class was close to breaking the all time grade point average for the school and it drew the attention of the Commander of the ASA. A Major General came to witness the exam which was a combination of a written and equipment performance test. We passed with flying colors and broke the record. The General made a few comments such as the Army got sandbagged by a bunch of Navy whizkids and other colorful quips. I am sending a copy of the final roster with grades and class standing. |
| Image from Bill Moore |
|